Additionally, a “Dock Day” is scheduled for March 1 in Dulac and will include on-board demonstrations of innovative handling and processing equipment and techniques.

Also, running concurrent to the conference is the on-site training for the “Certified Authentic Louisiana Wild Seafood” program, “trade” tables with fisheries and seafood industry resources, and informational posters and videos.

This is the premier educational and networking event for Louisiana commercial fishermen, seafood dealers and others involved in the seafood industry. A buffet lunch of the summit is included, and a gumbo at the dock day.

This event is free and open to all who would like to participate. Space is limited though, so you must preregister. To preregister, visit LouisianaFisheries.com or call 873-6495.

Louisiana Fisheries 2013 is an opportunity to get up-to-date on what’s happening in the commercial fishing and seafood industry and to network with others.

Alan Matherne is the LSU AgCenter’s area fisheries and coastal issues agent for Terrebonne, Lafourche and Assumption parishes. He can be reached at 873-6495 or amatherne@agcenter.lsu.edu. You can read his articles and blogs at bayoulog.com. Friend him on Facebook at facebook.com /profilephp?id= 100001785563037 and follow him on Twitter @amatherne.

<p>Louisiana Fisheries 2013, a summit for the Louisiana commercial fishing and seafood industry, is scheduled for Feb. 27 and 28 at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, 346 Civic Center Blvd.</p><p>The summit's theme is “Towards professionalizing the Louisiana commercial fishing industry.”</p><p>Commercial fishermen, seafood dealers and others can learn about the latest updates, technologies and programs concerning the Louisiana commercial fishing and seafood industry.</p><p>Here are the specific topics scheduled for debate at the summit: Fishing in Louisiana — then and now; economic status of Louisiana fisheries; Louisiana Sea Grant oyster hatchery program; Louisiana Direct Seafood; Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board update; Legislative update; Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Management Council program and outreach; sustainable seafood programs; Louisiana wild seafood certification program; Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries' seafood task forces; Gulf Seafood Trace program; blue crab BMPs and research update; local brand development: the Vermilion Bay Sweet products; coastal ecotourism logistics and opportunities; skimmers observers program and TEDs update; starting a food business and selling your products, small business grant programs; LDWF grant programs; marketing and social networks, Friends of the Fishermen Foundation; fisheries and seafood industry updates; and the Louisiana Seafood Academy training program, producing safe and high-quality seafood, opportunities to control black spot in shrimp, getting Louisiana shrimp to market, marketing opportunities for seafood harvesters: Do you have what it takes? and seafood labor challenges.</p><p>Additionally, a “Dock Day” is scheduled for March 1 in Dulac and will include on-board demonstrations of innovative handling and processing equipment and techniques.</p><p>Also, running concurrent to the conference is the on-site training for the “Certified Authentic Louisiana Wild Seafood” program, “trade” tables with fisheries and seafood industry resources, and informational posters and videos.</p><p>This is the premier educational and networking event for Louisiana commercial fishermen, seafood dealers and others involved in the seafood industry. A buffet lunch of the summit is included, and a gumbo at the dock day.</p><p>This event is free and open to all who would like to participate. Space is limited though, so you must preregister. To preregister, visit LouisianaFisheries.com or call 873-6495.</p><p>Louisiana Fisheries 2013 is an opportunity to get up-to-date on what's happening in the commercial fishing and seafood industry and to network with others.</p><p>Alan Matherne is the LSU AgCenter's area fisheries and coastal issues agent for Terrebonne, Lafourche and Assumption parishes. He can be reached at 873-6495 or amatherne@agcenter.lsu.edu. You can read his articles and blogs at bayoulog.com. Friend him on Facebook at facebook.com /profilephp?id= 100001785563037 and follow him on Twitter @amatherne.</p>